The Choir of St Mary the Virgin, Finedon, Northamptonshire

Joining the Choir

Are you interested in singing with us? We are always keen to hear from singers of all ages who might enjoy a commitment to the music at St Mary's, Finedon.

Below are some FAQs, but please get in touch if you would like more information.

Do you accept children into the choir?

Yes, children aged 7 upwards are welcome to join us. Children in the choir often attend just the first part of our rehearsal (Fridays at 7pm through to 7.45pm). The best time to start is near the beginning of a school term. We usually arrange a short meeting with the Director of Music, parent and child, to discuss joining the choir before starting. To arrange this please email, phone or speak to the Director of Music after a service. We also run the Children's Choir which rehearses in church on Fridays between 6.15 and 6.55pm; this is for children in school years 3 upwards.

What adult parts do you need in the choir?

The choir mostly sings four part SATB Anglican church music. We welcome adults who sing soprano, alto, tenor or bass. If you would like further advice, or to discuss the possibility of joining the choir, please contact the Director of Music. For those with no previous experience of singing in a church choir, we normally have a short meeting to discuss suitability.

Do I need to be able to read music?

No, but you need to be willing to learn! While we don't insist that new singers are able to read music, it is something that you should begin to acquire once you start. Because we sing a lot of music with limited rehearsal time, it is hard to keep up if you need to learn things 'by ear'. The Director of Music is always happy to help those wishing to improve their sight-reading and general musicianship.

When do services and rehearsals take place?

Our main rehearsal is on a Friday night, between 7pm and 8.10pm. We occasionally rehearse before evening services.

In addition the choir sings at services such as Advent, Christmas & Epiphany Carol Services and Festal Evensongs. In February 2013 and 2015, the choir sang Choral Evensong as a visiting choir at Peterborough Cathedral.
In October the choir participates in the annual Diocesan Choral Festival in Peterborough Cathedral.

Next Step

Please contact the Director of Music by phone, email or speaking after a service, to discuss joining the choir. You are welcome to come along to try a choir practice before committing.
We recommend that children, and those with little experience of singing in a church choir, join near or at the start of a new term; i.e. September, January or April.